The Inexperienced Beauty Blogger: August 2017

On Thursday, Front Row Cosmetics has launched their eagerly anticipated new collection, Cabana Sol! I wanted to showcase one of my favorite brands because I love their cruelty free products. I contacted Melissa, the owner, so you can get to know her and Front Row Cosmetics. Melissa is a fantastic friend of mine and is super talented. She always makes me feel and look beautiful after doing my makeup.

Why did you want to become a makeup artist?

I didn't plan on becoming a makeup artist growing up. I actually have a degree in accounting! I always liked to draw and paint, but never thought of it as a career. I had a group of friends who were makeup artists and they always worked on the weekend. At the time, I worked for a robotic company focusing on NASA projects for Mars Exploration. When the weekend came, I had nothing to do so I started working at MAC with my friends and I fell in love with the art of makeup. That is how it all began!

What inspires you as an artist?

My clients inspire me. I listen to what they want and how they would like to feel. I love to assist my clients in feeling confident, strong, and like a total bad ass. I think of it as my job to provide that for them!

Tell us about how Front Row started

The idea of Front Row started because of makeup questions. I was getting a lot of questions about ingredients and How-Tos. I like to have comprehensive answers when people ask me a question. After I did some research, I felt major lines made makeup much complicated than it needed to be. I wanted to keep Front Row cosmetics simple, cruelty free and use clean ingredients.

What are your favorite products?

Our duo brow pencil, lipstick/lipgloss and concealer. These three products that can make you look bright and ready to take on the day.

What are some of your favorite beauty tips?

I think my favorite is one from my grandmother. Growing up, like so many of us, I had horrible acne. My grandmother told me to cut a lemon in half, rub it on my face, go to sleep, then wash it off in the morning and moisturize. To this day I have never had acne again! I think lemon is a perfect cleanser and toner.

What inspired Cabana Sol?

I am loving the golds and purples this summer. These colors are also perfect transition shades into fall. When designing and naming the collection, I thought of the times I spent in Miami at Nikki Beach. I loved lounging in a cabana with my shimmery eyes and a pop of color on my lips lip-syncing the wrong words to the music playing.